Athens upgrades diplomatic representation in Erbil

The Greek Ambassador to Iraq, Dionyssios Kyvetos, during a recent visit in Erbil announced the Greek Government’s decision to upgrade its representative office in the Kurdistan Region, local media reported on Tuesday

Mr Kyvetos met with the head of the Kurdistan Region’s Department of Foreign Relations (DFR)Falah Mustafa and discussed bilateral relations, the latest political developments, and the upcoming referendum on independence for the Kurdistan Region planned for Sep. 25, according to DFR press office.

During the meeting, Kyvetos highlighted Athens’ decision to upgrade its representation in the Kurdistan Region of Trade Office to Consulate General, DFR stated.

According to Thegreekobserver’s sources, Athens since last year had decided its diplomatic upgrade in Arbil but technical and procedural issues had to be solved prior to the implementation of the decision.

The Greek Consulate in Erbil – according to the same sources – is about to open next October.

Mustafa welcomed the decision and conveyed the full support of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) for the move by the Greek government, describing it as a step further expanding the scope of cooperation between Erbil and Athens.

Kyvetos praised the role of the Kurdish Peshmerga forces in the battle against the Islamic State (IS) and efforts of the Kurdistan Region in hosting 1.8 million refugees and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).

Erbil and Baghdad relations, as well as post-referendum options, were discussed in the meeting.

The Kurdistan Region as a semi-autonomous federal region of Iraq since 2007 has expanded its diplomatic relations.

In ten years, 38 foreign consulates and representative offices have opened in the Kurdistan Region and the number continues to increase according to KRG.

Recently, the governments of Ukraine and Sri Lanka decided to open consulates in the Kurdistan Region to develop bilateral relations.

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